NOVI ? More than a thousand people crowded into the Novi Expo Center Wednesday for the first day of the ITEC Detroit technology show to check out the products and services of more than 100 exhibitors.

Among the exhibitors was Mitechnews.Com and its partner companies, Pixel-Bit New Media, Network Source and MediaRica, the podcasting arm of Object-Insight.

About 25 percent more exhibitors were on hand this year compared with last, said Jennifer Bell, the show coordinator for Centric Events of Portland, Ore.

?It?s the biggest ITEC of the last four years,?? she said. ?Companies? budgets are opening up ad attendees are here to find solutions to their business IT needs.?

The show this year features interactive displays, 18 educational vendors, strategy sessions as well as six conference session on Thursday. Among the major sponsors are Microsoft and Intel.

The business-to-business event is open to anyone 21 years and older. Registration is free to qualified attendees. You can still register for the second day on site or on line at GoITEC.Com